Fermented Foods and Your Gut Health

Your gut is home to trillions of tiny microbes that help digest food, support your immune system and even influence your mood. Fermented foods are a tasty, natural way to support this inner ecosystem.

What are fermented foods?

Fermentation is an age-old process where helpful bacteria or yeasts transform food, creating tangy flavors and, in many cases, live cultures that are good for your gut.

Popular fermented foods

• Yogurt and kefir with live and active cultures.
• Kimchi and sauerkraut made from fermented cabbage and vegetables.
• Miso and tempeh made from fermented soybeans.
• Kombucha, a fermented tea, in moderation.

Start small. A spoonful of kimchi or a small bowl of yogurt is a great beginning.

Feed your gut with fiber too

Helpful gut bacteria thrive on fiber from vegetables, fruit, beans, oats and whole grains. Pairing fermented foods with fiber-rich meals gives your gut the best support.

A few tips

Choose products labeled with live cultures, watch for added sugar and salt and introduce new foods gradually to give your digestion time to adjust.